Even The Royals

In Part 1, Yoshiko Kawashima moved to Japan and worked to reclaim her home by supporting the push for an independent Manchuria. But her growing fame as a Japanese spy gets her into hot water when she tries to switch sides during World War II. After fleeing to China, Yoshiko is arrested and put on trial for treason – where her own exaggerated stories are used as evidence against her. Her trial will determine whether history remembers her as a cunning spy, a shameless traitor….or revolutionary who dared to defy the expectations of her era. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lil’ Chicken has a restaurant that everybody loves! It’s known for two things: tasty corn nuggets and a stressed-out owner who worries and frets over every little thing. Business is booming, but it always seems like the sky is falling! Join DJ Fyutch and Baby Scratch as they serve up this tale about Lil’ Chicken, a restaurant critic, and the challenge of keeping cool under pressure! You can listen to Once Upon a Beat early and ad-free right now on Wondery Plus. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. https://wondery.com/shows/once-upon-a-beat/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yoshiko Kawashima was more than just a Manchu princess – she was also one of history’s most notorious spies. After being torn from her family at age 8 and forced to navigate between Chinese and Japanese identities, Yoshiko refuses to be held back by society’s expectations of women. She dresses like a man, becomes a staple of Shanghai nightlife, and has affairs with both men and women. But living large can be dangerous. And Yoshiko’s inability to stay in the shadows might just prove to be her fatal flaw. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part one, Nur Jahan charmed her way out of the harem and onto the throne by becoming the emperor’s favorite wife. When her husband’s health takes a sharp turn, she steps into an even bigger role: co-sovereign. But this kind of authority is a threat to noble men everywhere. Even her own flesh and blood. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lamont Jones leaves Dauphin County Prison for the last time, a free man ready to move on with his life. But when his young cousin dies in that same jail, he learns that this is not the only mysterious death that has plagued Dauphin County Prison. The search for the truth will put him at odds with a reality TV show coroner who claims to speak for the dead and people in power who all have something to hide. Listen to Death County, PA: Wondery.fm/DCPA_FD See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This two-part series is all about Empress Nur Jahan, who rose from Persian refugee to become the most powerful woman in the Mughal Empire. As a girl, Nur Jahan wanted nothing more than to forge her own fate. But as she gets older, she finds herself trapped inside the emperor’s harem. To gain her freedom, she’ll have to charm the emperor with her wits and political savvy. But the more power she gains, the more her enemies at court want to see her gone. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This two-part series is all about Lili'uokalani, the first and last queen of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. In part one, Lili'uokalani came of age in the Hawaiian court and supported her brother when he became king. But when powerful foreigners forced through a new constitution that stripped rights from the Hawaiian people, Lili’uokalani refused to stay silent. Now, as queen, she’s set on becoming the ruler that Hawaiians really need – while she fights the men trying to steal her home, and her crown. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We'll be back next week with an all-new episode of Even the Royals. In the meantime, we're returning to another one of the first queens we covered. Before Hawai’i was a state, it was an independent kingdom ruled by a series of monarchs – including one queen. Queen Lili’uokalani was a writer, composer, and philanthropist who gave everything she had to protect her homeland and her people. In part one of this two-part series, Lili’uokalani is named as heir to the throne – and all of the problems that come with it. When foreigners start to snatch pieces of the Hawaiian kingdom for themselves, she refuses to stay silent. No matter what it may cost her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Ever wonder how your favorite Tudor queens prevented wrinkles? Or whether they’d be cool with using a beef tallow moisturizer? Early modern historian Erin Griffey is here to answer all of our questions about Tudor beauty trends. It’s time to find out once and for all if that white face powder seen in all those portraits was actually poisoning everyone…or if that’s just a royal myth. Inspired by the looks (and the drama) on Wolf Hall Season 2, now streaming on Prime Video with the PBS Masterpiece add-on. EXCITING NEWS: Even the Royals was nominated for a Webby Award for Best History Podcast! And YOU can vote for us to win. Please go vote here: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/shows/history Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After getting back on the throne, Charles II quickly discovers that being king isn't as fun as he’d hoped – it’s a lot more pressure than partying. When his marriage to Catherine of Portugal fails to produce an heir, he finds comfort - and chaos - in the arms of powerful mistresses. But when England faces war, plague, and a financial crisis, Charles will finally be forced to choose between politics and pleasure. EXCITING NEWS: Even the Royals was nominated for a Webby Award for Best History Podcast! And YOU can vote for us to win. Please go vote here: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/shows/history Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Charles II was known as the Merry Monarch – but his childhood was nothing to laugh about. When his father, the king, was executed and the English monarchy was dissolved, Charles went from pampered Prince to fugitive on the fun. During his teenage years, he discovers his two greatest talents – survival and seduction. But as Charles fights to restore the monarchy, he’ll find that his appetite for pleasure might derail his path to the throne. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This two-part series is all about Grace O’Malley – a 16th century Irish pirate queen. In part one, Grace defied norms and became a plundering, swashbuckling pirate – and clan leader. She built an empire so powerful that it made her a threat to the invading English. Now, Sir Richard Bingham is dead-set on sinking her empire. But Grace has never turned away from a fight. She’s ready to plot, pillage and kill to remain free. But as Richard steps up his pressure, she’ll have to choose between her righteous cause and the people she loves most. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve probably heard about famous pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. But over a century before these bad boys roamed the seas, a kickass pirate queen reigned over Ireland’s coast for six decades. Grace O’Malley was told women should lead quiet, domestic lives, locked away in their castles. But she refused this fate and instead, fought tooth, nail, and cannonball for a life where she could sail and pillage like any good pirate. But when her home is threatened by an English invasion, she’ll have to go from infamous pirate to feared rebel. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part one, Theodora escaped poverty and exploitation and rose through the ranks of Byzantine society. When she marries the love of her life, Justinian, and he gets the bump to Emperor, she rises even higher – to co-ruler – and uses her newfound power to fight for women’s rights. Theodora has everything she’s ever wanted – status, love, and the ability to make change. But when riots threaten to topple her reign, she’ll resort to ruthless measures to hold on to her new life. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Empress Theodora was a true rags to riches story. She rose from humble circus performer all the way to the top of the royal food chain through wit, charm, and sheer gutsiness. As a child, she dreams of a more glamorous life – but climbing the ladder is tough, particularly during the Byzantine era. And the higher she goes, the more people try to knock her down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We'll be back next week with an all-new episode of Even the Royals. In the meantime, we're returning to one of our favorite episodes on Grace Kelly's daughter, Stephanie, Princess of Monaco. When Grace Kelly died tragically in 1982 she left behind a legacy as an actress, philanthropist, and fashion icon. But she also left behind a 17-year-old daughter who was in the car crash that took Grace’s life. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is born into royal fame and fortune, but almost immediately wants to trade in her tiara for a t-shirt. She spends her life searching for something her mother never got a chance to find for herself – a way to live truly on her own terms. But when tragedy nearly derails her life, Stephanie will have to rebuild it one very public screw up at a time. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re throwing it back to high school and dishing out some superlatives — with a royal twist of course. Who’s the most rebellious royal? Which couple gets the sweetest love story? And who will be crowned our most devious schemer? Brooke and Aricia are joined on the yearbook committee by Katy Hearne-Church and Nathan Foster, hosts of Queens Podcast, where they talk about the royals you may or may not have heard about in history class. The four hosts will share their Royal insights, hot takes, and discuss which queens would’ve been besties IRL (hint: some answers might surprise you). Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re bringing you three stories of modern royals who, against the odds, found their OTL. There’s Aussie Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark, whose unlikely love story hinges on the approval of the Danish people accepting a foreigner as their future queen. Then American college-grad Ariana, who meets a mystery man at a nightclub, only to find out months into their relationship that the man she’s fallen in love with is an Ethiopian prince. And finally, small-town Daniel and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, whose journey from friends to lovers faces harsh backlash from the press and public. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This two-part series is all about Sundiata Keita of Mali – the founder of one of West Africa’s largest empires. In part one, Sundiata battled scheming family members, fled his home in Niani, and found a new life in the Kingdom of Mema. But now that Niani is in danger, it’s time for Sundiata to return home and fulfill the prophecy of his birth. But first he’ll have to unite dozens of warring kingdoms – and then take on a seemingly invincible enemy. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Centuries before Pumbaa and Timon taught Simba the meaning of hakuna matata in The Lion King, a real-life lion king founded the Mali Empire in the 13th-century. Sundiata Keita was destined to be a great ruler from birth – a prophecy even promised he’d be the next Alexander the Great. But after his father dies, his scheming stepmother steals his throne for her own son, and banishes Sundiata. So Sundiata heads out on an epic quest to reclaim his kingdom, and prove that his reign truly is written in the stars. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.